A SCORE TO SETTLE
Arthur had to go after Merlin, how could Gwen even think he would leave him out there in the hands of the bandits. Merlin had been by his side always, his first true friend before any of them. He had been alone and such an arrogant prince that relied on his father to tell him what he should be doing. When Merlin challenged him that day in the market he thought the young lad had lost his mind. He still thought that his manservant/friend was an idiot at times and although he never told him that he was his friend; Merlin had formed a bond with the now King. Arthur relied on that goofy smile and ever present up beat attitude.
When they had set out that morning towards the valley of the fallen king's Arthur had not even thought he would be coming back without his faithful servant. With Merlin missing and in the hands of the bandits with unknown injuries, there was no way he was going to leave him out there alone. He had to find his friend himself nothing else would suffice; Gwen was worried for his safety, but she should know that Merlin was special to him and he was highly surprised that she didn't offer to come; Merlin was her friend after all as well.
"Gwen I have to go after him, I won't just give up. He wouldn't leave me behind"